Health concerns had long surrounded Joe Biden. After a debate performance raised questions about his well-being, Biden stepped away from the 2024 presidential race just three months before the election.
“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down,” he told Americans.
Kamala Harris took over the Democratic ticket but was defeated by Donald Trump, who reclaimed the presidency in 2025.
During his term, Biden also underwent removal of a skin cancer in 2023 and a benign polyp in 2021. His advocacy for cancer research was deeply personal—his son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015.
Doctors report Biden’s cancer has a Gleason score of 9, the highest grade for aggressiveness. Still, its hormone-sensitive nature allows for manageable treatment.
